Version July 2025
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What is a ruptured eardrum? —
This is a hole or tear in the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin layer of tissue between the ear canal and middle ear (figure 1).
The most common causes of a ruptured eardrum are:
●Ear infections – These can cause fluid to build up and press on your eardrum.
●Extreme pressure changes – This can happen during scuba diving if you move up or down in the water too quickly. It is called "barotrauma."
●Poking the eardrum – This happens if you poke a cotton swab (Q-tip), hairpin, or other object into your ear canal.
Other things that can cause a ruptured eardrum include flying in an airplane, very loud noises, and head injuries.
What are the symptoms of a ruptured eardrum? —
Some people have no symptoms. When symptoms happen, they can include:
●Very bad ear pain
●Ear pain that suddenly gets better
●Clear, pus-colored, or bloody fluid draining from the ear
●A buzzing or ringing sound in the ear
●Trouble hearing or hearing loss
Will I need tests? —
Maybe. Your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have a ruptured eardrum by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam. They might also do tests to check your hearing.
How is a ruptured eardrum treated? —
Treatment depends on:
●What caused your ruptured eardrum
●The size of the hole or tear
●Your symptoms
Most of the time, the eardrum will heal in days to weeks. Many people also need antibiotics. For example, if:
●Your ruptured eardrum was caused by an infection – Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics as pills, or liquid (for children). Some people also get antibiotic eardrops. A ruptured eardrum due to an infection might heal on its own within a few days.
●Something poked your eardrum, and there is risk of infection – Your doctor might prescribe antibiotic eardrops. A ruptured eardrum caused by an injury can take up to 4 weeks to heal.
See your doctor about 2 to 4 weeks after your first visit so they can check if your eardrum has healed.
Some people need to see an ear, nose, and throat ("ENT") specialist. You might need to see an ENT if:
●You have severe hearing loss, vomiting, dizziness, or facial weakness.
●The hole or tear is very big.
●Your eardrum does not heal.
In some cases, the ENT might need to do surgery. This usually involves putting a tiny patch on your eardrum to help seal the hole.
What can I do on my own? —
While your eardrum heals, you should:
●Take all your medicines as instructed – If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, finish all of them, even if you start to feel better.
●Take pain medicines, if needed – Your doctor or nurse might suggest taking medicines such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin).
●Avoid getting water in your ear – Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly which activities to avoid. For example, most people need to avoid swimming until their eardrum has healed. Many people also need to protect their ear when taking a bath or shower. You can do this by coating a cotton ball with petroleum jelly (sample brand name: Vaseline) and putting it in your ear to seal it.
Can a ruptured eardrum be prevented? —
To reduce your chances of getting a ruptured eardrum:
●Do not put cotton swabs or other objects into your ear canal.
●See your doctor or nurse if you think you have an ear infection.
●Avoid airplane travel and scuba diving if you have a cold, ear infection, or sinus infection – If you cannot avoid flying, it might help to:
•Chew gum.
•Swallow or yawn.
•Breathe in, close your mouth, pinch your nose shut, then blow.
•Take a decongestant, if your doctor recommends it – This might also help with congestion from allergies.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call your doctor or nurse if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●You do not feel better after 2 to 3 days.
●Your symptoms get worse.
●You have new symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, confusion, or facial weakness.
●You have new discharge or drainage coming from your ear.
●You have new ringing in your ears, new hearing loss, or any other changes in your hearing.
Patient education: Ear infections in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Ear infections in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use ear drops (The Basics)
Patient education: Ear infections (otitis media) in children (Beyond the Basics)
